A German U-boat lavatory is among ‘‘treasures’’
A German U-boat lavatory is among the ‘‘treasures’’ found during a unique amnesty for unregistered wreck finds, it was disclosed today.
Divers or beachcombers are being allowed to hand in undersea artefacts to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency without fear of prosecution.
The three-month grace period has led to a flood of unusual items such as chamber pots and bells from sunken ships.
The finds, which it is a legal requirement to report, can also be dangerous, with many shell cases and bullets requiring removal.
But Receiver of Wreck Veronica Robbins gave a reminder that the amnesty, believed to be the first of its kind in the world, ends on April 24.
She said: ‘‘The amnesty has been a great success so far and we have had lots of positive feedback. In general, finders have welcomed the chance to put the record straight.
‘‘The material reported ranges from the ‘obligatory’ porthole to cannon and shot, several pieces of eight and a Charles I gold coin.
‘‘We have even had a German U-boat toilet.’’
The agency has received up to 70 reports a day from people, mainly divers but also fishermen, museums and antique dealers worried they had undeclared wreck for sale.
The Receiver investigates whether the wreck has an owner and if it is not claimed by the owner after one year, it generally stays with the finder.
Important historical or archaeological finds are often placed in museums.
Shipping minister Keith Hill announced the amnesty in January for items found in UK territorial waters.
